Tropical Depression Sixteen Situation Report # 1: Impact on Belize

Heavy rainfall associated with Tropical
Depression 16 began affecting the southern areas of Belize from the evening
of Wednesday October 15. The system is producing a lot of rainfall and
this has resulted in flooding in number of the flood prone in the southern
districts.

Prognosis

The system has moved inland over Central
Guatemala and Western Nicaragua and is a remnant low which continues to
weaken and dissipate. However, as of October 16, 2008 4.45pm(AST) The The
National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) in Belize reported that
the Moho, Sittee and South Stann Creek and Blue Creek Rivers were rising
and that the communities of Machakila and Graham Creek were under flood
warning. Flooding along the main tributary of the Belize River was also
expected as heavy rains were experienced in the El Peten area in Guatemala.

The Meteorological Ofiice in Belize is
predicting that an increase in shower activity may start affecting the
country early next week due to an area of low pressure in the region.

The Situation

The National Emergency Management Organisation
(NEMO) in Belize has reported that there is flooding in the Stann Creek
and Toledo Districts. Hope Creek Village is severely affected and at the
time of reporting (October 16, 2008) seven (7) families from that community
were at the ITVET Shelter in Stann Creek.

Flooding was also reported in San Antonio,
Douglas and San Roman Villages in Northern Belize.

The Kendal temporary crossing (the bridge
was washed away earlier this year following the passage of Tropical Storm
Arthur) was under six feet of water. The Belize Defence Force has been
deployed to the area and has been facilitating crossing in a military craft.

As a precautionary measure, the Coast
Guard, Fisheries and other crafts are strategically prepositioned in villages
in the river valleys to provide quick evacuation in the event of flash
floods.

In the Orange Walk District in the North,
persons from Albion Island and San Antonio have voluntarily evacuated.
No shelters have been opened.

National Actions

A National Meeting was held in the morning
(Thursday, October 16) to discuss the situation and deploy assistance as
required. Support is being provided for

NEMO District Committees in the South
and North remain on high alert as the FLOOD WATCH remains in effect. Support
has been prepositioned for evacuation in threatened areas.